Skógar efla lýðheilsu í þéttbýli

Íslenska

English

International Conference Organised as part of the Icelandic chairmanship of the Nordic Council Reykjavik, Iceland, September 16th - 20th, 2009
back-to-back with the Europen Forest Network Annual Meeting.

Forestry serving urban societies in the North Atlantic

Introduction

BackgroundIn the North Atlantic Region, the social services provided by forests play an important role. With the high level of urbanisation in many of these countries, forests and other green areas are of great importance as recreational settings for urban dwellers. A growing body of research has illustrated the many positive impacts of forest recreation on human health and wellbeing, while forests have also been found to fulfil a wide range of educational, cultural and social needs. In order to ensure that forests cater for the needs for urban societies, sound planning, design and management are required. Approaches such as urban forestry can provide a framework for this. Urban forestry comprises an integrative, multidisciplinary approach to the planning and management of all forest and tree resources – ranging from street trees to peri-urban woodlands – in and near urban areas, with the aim of providing multiple benefits. Based on central concepts and approaches such as sustainable forest management, long-term and detailed resource planning, and multi-functionality, forestry needs to develop a strong role within multidisciplinary teams dealing with urban green structures and the demands of urban populations.

Conference aims
This international conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from the North Atlantic Region to 1) present and discuss the state-of-art of research on forestry serving urbanised societies; 2) find ways of better implementation of state-of-art knowledge; and 3) developing a joint research agenda for the future.

Target audiences
Key audiences will be 1) the research community; 2) forest planners and managers; and 3) policy makers, both at city and national level. Focus will be on the North Atlantic Region (Nordic countries, Ireland, Netherlands, UK, Canada, Russia, USA, etc.), but experts from other countries (e.g. the Baltic States) are welcome to join.

Organisers The event is organised as part of the Icelandic chairmanship of the Nordic Council of Ministers, in collaboration with the Nordic-Baltic Centre of Advanced Research on Forestry Serving Urbanised Societies (CARe-FOR-US) and the European Forest Network. Local hosts are Icelandic Forest Research (Research branch of the Iceland Forest Service) and the Icelandic Forestry Association.

Keynote: Ulrika Stigsdotter (Denmark) – Relationship between distance to and use of green space, physical activity and health-related quality of life - Results from a Danish national representative surveyView CVView abstractView lecture

Abstracts and Papers

Abstracts can be submitted for voluntary oral and poster presentations dealing with one of the parallel session themes described above. Abstracts should not be longer than 300 words and include a title and full speaker details. Please submit your suggested contribution in Word-format to Dr Cecil Konijnendijk, cck@life.ku.dk, no later than June 30, 2009. Outputs Ideas exist for publishing findings from the conference as a Tema Nord report, and possibly also in scientific journal ‘Urban Forestry & Urban Greening'.

Registration

Travel to Iceland

Travel information and useful links

Reykjavík

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and its surroundings, is the home of more than half of the country's 300.000 inhabitants. Named after the steam from the geothermal areas the city is now known for its clean air and beautiful surroundings. In Reykjavik you have opportunities for historical sites, natural beauty, museums and galleries, public parks, excellent shopping, a wide range of leisure activities, hotels, restaurants and a remarkably lively artistic scene.Visit Reykjavík

Climate

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a temperate ocean climate, cool in the summer and surprisingly mild in the winter. During the summer temperatures generally average between 12°C and 15°C (50°-54°F) in the populated lowlands. The weather in Iceland can be a bit unpredictable and tourists should be prepared.Weather

What to wear

Due to the fact that the weather is unpredictable in Iceland, it is wise to bring warm clothes, rainwear, etc, especially for those who are interested in outdoor activities. As there are ample opportunities for swimming in warm spring water, it might be a good idea to bring a bathing suit

Currency exchange

The currency in Iceland is Icelandic Krona (ISK). Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, which will also advance cash against all major credit cards. Cash can also be obtained against these cards in all banks, ATMs are to be found in many places.Currency convertor

Excursions

European Forest Network annual meeting

Introduction

The European Forest Network (EFN) is an unofficial network of national forest societies and associations of Europe. The main goal is to promote the exchange of information relevant to forests, forestry and forest policy among its members, which is achieved through an Annual Meeting of EFN delegates. The societies eligible to become members of the EFN are those which best represent, in each country, the comprehensive interests of people engaged directly and indirectly in the sustainable use of forest resources.

Programme

Friday September 18, 2009 20:00
Welcome dinner

Saturday September 19, 2009
09:00-17:00 Full day excursion in collaboration with the international conference Forestry serving urban societies in the North Atlantic region